Laurelei was born in early 2000, with Christopher Kincaid (original Hopesfall bassist), Adam Baker, Brian Barker, Jay Forrest and Buck Harvey as the first line up. The music was a melodic mix of metal and hardcore with heavy emotional climaxes. The band recorded their only effort in December of 2000, with the original line up. Shortly after, Jay Forrest moved to Oklahoma for university. The band continued on, adding a new member, Daniel Owen, on bass, while Brian Barker moved from bass to guitar.